Snakes Are Hunters (Let's Read and Find Out)

Describes the physical characteristics of a variety of snakes and how they hunt, catch, and eat their prey

Kindergarten-Grade 3 This broad introduction to snakes is concisely written and well organized. The text briefly and accurately describes basic anatomical features, general physical and behavioral characteristics (plus a few special characteristics of poisonous snakes), senses, methods of locomotion, hunting and feeding techniques, natural enemies, egg-laying, and the birth of young. Concepts are simply explained, few scientific terms are employed, and the few species mentioned directly are referred to by their common names. The brightly colored, cartoon-like illustrations that appear on all but two pages are well coordinated with the text; however, they are so over-generalized that scales are seldom shown and body markings are incomplete. There are other general introductions available covering much the same information and which have illustrations more straightforward and scientific in their approach. Two good examples are Selsam's A First Look at Poisonous Snakes (Walker, 1987) and Petty's Reptiles (Gloucester Pr, 1987). Karey Wehner, San Francisco Public Library8sljone 8sljone
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Snakes are the focus of this Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science Book, a short, informative and well-paced introduction to the natural history and habits of these reptiles. The basic facts about snakes are clearly presented: they have no legs, they have scales and "spectacles" instead of eyelids. And snakes are hunters; in the wild, all snakes stalk, capture and eat other animals. Lauber, an award-winning science writer for children, also explores aspects of cold-bloodedness, hibernation, reproduction and growth. Keller's lively full-color illustrations complement the well-organized text, although some drawingsin which the snakes smileare a bit too cartoony. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.